Our story began on a Tuesday evening—April 19, 2022—when destiny brought us together at a young adults’ event called Reach in Humboldt Park. Stephen had come from Chicago, Fernanda from Elgin, and when we first spoke, we were both so nervous… but we couldn’t stop smiling! A few weeks later, on May 10, Stephen took the first step and asked for her number. Our first date was on May 15 at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, and from that moment on, we just kept talking, getting to know each other, and falling more in love every day. That summer, Stephen wanted to do things the right way. On August 7, he asked Fernanda’s father for permission to officially date her, and just five days later, on August 12, we made it official—we chose each other. Fast forward to November 19, 2024, when Stephen formally asked Fernanda’s parents for her hand in marriage. Then came December 7, 2024—the day we got engaged in the most special way: with a surprise photo session, followed by a party celebrating both Fernanda’s birthday and our engagement. Today, we stand here ready to begin our life together as one. We thank God for bringing us together, because we truly believe He knew exactly what He was doing when He joined our paths. As Matthew 19:6 says: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”